Dispensing slide closure for paperboard containers



Deqz, 1947.

`w. P. FEssENDEN t2,431,744

' K NDISPE-SING SLIDE CLOSURE FOR PAPERBOARD. CONTAINERS Filed July l. 1945 '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVEN TOR.

HTTOVVEY I D 2,1947 w. P. FEssENDEN 2,431,744 'l DISPENSING SVLIDECLOSURE FOR PAPERBOARD CONTAINERS Filed July 19, 1943 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR.

I. Dec? 2, .1947. w. PQ FEssNDEN ADISPENSING SLIDE CLOSURE FOR PAPERBOARD CONTAINERS Filed July 19, 1945 7 Sheets-Shea?l 3 IN1/EN TOR.

nlllllllllilllvllllllllll Illllilllllalllllffff y /lff fj'assendwzl BY www I Dec. 2,1947.V w, P, FESSENDEN 2,431,744

-.DISPENSING SLIDE GLOSURE FOR PAPERBOARD CON'IAINERS FiledJuly 19, 1943 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN V EN TOR.

W.- P. FESSENDEN v DISPENSING SLIDE CLOSURE FOR PAPERBOARD CONTAINERS Dec. 2Q 1947.

Fliled Jilly 19. 1945 7 Sheets-Sheet 5' Dec. 2, 194.7. w. P. FEssENDEN DISPENSING SLIDE CLOSURE FOR PAPERBOARD CONTAINERS 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 19, 1943 Dec. 2, 1947.`

' w. P. FEvssENDEN DISPENSINGSLIDE CLOSURE FOR PAPERBOAR) CONTAINERS Filed July 19. 1943 v sheets-sheet 'r Patented Dec. 2, 1947 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE DISPENSING SLIDE CLOSURE FOR PAPER- BOARD CONTAINERS Walter P. Fessenden, Chicago, Ill., assigner, by mesne assignments, to National Folding Box Company,4 Incorporated, a corporation of Connecticut l Application July 19, 1943, Serial No. 495,287 12 claims. lol'. 229-17) This invention relates to containers, and Vmore pose in the outer top wall panel of the container particularly to an improved dispensing container as constructed, the Ydispensing slide being held in formed from Vpaperboard material, adapted for position by an underlying and .inner top wall use as a packaging and dispensing medium for panel. powdered and granular products and similar ma- 5 The completed dispensing containers present terials which have heretofore usually lbeen .packneat and attractive packages with finished ap- ,aged in cans and `canisters formed :in whole or in pearing outside surfaces; the finished containers .part from sheet metal or 4like relatively rigid maare sturdy and strong in construction andare terial. readily adapted for packing in the usual shipping In accordance with this 'invention .zi-dispensing l0 cases or for display on the Idealers shelves. The container is provided'in which the container itself containers may be manufactured at substantially is formed from a single blank of paperboard or less-cost than more rigid containers formed in similar material and which upon assembly into Whole or in part from sheet metal, are substancontainer form may receive a. dispensing slide tially equally as serviceable, may be assembled formed from a blank of suitable material which 15 and formed on standard box assembling machines may be manipulated by: theuser to close the disand equipment at a high production rate and at pensing opening or presentaxsifting opening or a low cost with a minimum of skilled labor, and bulk discharge opening by a simple manipulation require only inexpensive readily available matec the slide, rial for their assembly.

The container itself; maybeY formedl from a 20 Other objects, features and advantages of this single blank of paperboard or like materialwhich invention will appear more fully from the detailed can be produced at a high production 4rate and description which follows accompanied by drawsui-tably shaped and scored 4by Vrunning large ings showing for the purpose of illustration presheets or rolls of thematerial through high speed ferred embodiments of the invention,

Cutting and Scoring machines. The sheets or rolls 25 The invention Aalso consists in certain new and needbe finished or imprintedk on one side thereof original features of construction and combination only, since only one side of the finished blank is of parts hereinafter set forth and claimed. presented as the exposed outside suriace of .the Although the novel features which are believed nished container. to be characteristic of this invention Will be par- An important feature of this invention is to 30 ticularly pointed out in the claims appended Aprovide a blank which is so shaped and formed hereto, the invention itself, its objects and ad- .as to permit automatic high speed assembly of vantages and the manner in which it may be the blank into container form on standard box carried out, may be better understood by referagsembling machines presently: available- The ring to the following description taken in conblanks are also substantially rectangular in: out- '35 DGCOII With the aCCOmpanyir1g drawings formline, resulting in a, minimum of Waste of the ing apart thereof, in which: material. The flat blanks may be shipped by Fig. 1 iS a Plan View 0f a prepared blank from the boxy maker to the merchandise manufacturer Which my improved dispensing @Ontaner may be in iiat stacked conditioner they may be assemformed;A bled in the form of collapsed shells. In either "10 Fig. 2 is a plan View 0f a prepared blank from the blanks occupy ai minimumspace during which the dispensing Slide may be formed; shipment and storage and thuspermit substan- Fig. 3 is a perspective View 0f the blank shOWn tial savings in shipping andI storage costs as cominliig. 1 as it appears at. an initial stage of as'- pared with more rigid set-up containers., sembly;

The merchandise manufacturer need only be i5 Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the blank at a provided with the necessary number of standard further advanced stage of assembly; box assembling machines of. the proper type,y and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the blank parcomplete assembly of the blanks intol container tially assembled in collapsed container form may proceedV as the containers are'needed ready for shipment to the merchandise manuior' the packaging of merchandise. The mer- 50 fa-Clu'el; chandise material may be' inserted into the par- Fig. 6 is a perspective view oi the partially tially assembled container and.- thereafterv the assembled blank expanded into container form containers may be sealed and closed. As the final with its side Wall closing flaps in an open posit-ion; operation, the dispensing slidev may be inserted Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the partially into position through aslit4` provided for the pur- F5 assembled container showing one set ofv side wall forming flaps in the process of being brought into a closed position;

Fig. 8 is another view of the partially assembled container showing one set of the side wall forming flaps at a further advanced stage of closing assembly;

Fig. 9 is a perspective View of the partially assembled container resting on its closed side and ready for iilling through its opposite open side;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the partially assembled container as it appears when filled with merchandise and with the otherset of side wall forming iiaps in the process of beingbrought into a closed position;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the container as it appears when lled and, substantially completely assembled, showing its last side wall formfing aps being brought into a closed position;

Fig. l2 is a perspective view of the fully assembled container showing the dispensing slide in the process of being inserted into position; f

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the fully assembled container showing the dispensing slide in fully inserted closed position, the container being ready for shipment; Y

Fig. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional View through the fully assembled container as the same appears when viewed along line lll-lll of Fig. 13;

.v Fig. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the fully assembled container taken longitudinally thereof as it appears when viewed along line l5--I5 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 16 is an enlarged and fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view taken longitudinally through the upper portion of the container, showing'the 'dispensing slide drawn nto'position which will permit sifting dispensing of the contents;

Fig. 17 is another enlarged and fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view taken longitudinally through the upper portion of the container, showing the dispensing slide drawn to its full dispensing position to permit bulk dispensing of the con'- tents;

Fig-18 is a plan view Vof a prepared blank of somewhat modied form which can be assembled into a' dispensing container by assembly procedure somewhat diierent from that followed in the assembly of the blank shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 19 is a plan view of a prepared blank from which a dispensing slide of somewhat modied construction may be formed;

Fig. 2O is a perspective View of the blank shown in Fig. 18 as it appears at an initial stage of assembly; l

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the blank shown in Fig. at a further advanced stage of assembly;

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the body portion of the container but with its top plan forming blank in open position for filling with merchandise;

Fig. 23 is a perspective View of the container showing its topwall forming flap in process of being brought into closed position;

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the container showing its top` wall forming flap further advanced into its closed position; Y

Fig. 25 is a perspective View of the fully assembled container as formed from the blank shown in Fig. 18;

Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the dispensing slide fully assembled from the blank shown in Fig. 19;

Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the dispensing slide inserted in the top wall of the container and positioned for sifting dispensing of the contents;

Fig. 28 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view taken longitudinally through the fully assembled container showing the dispensing slide in closed position;

Fig. 29 is a transverse cross-sectional view through the container and dispensing slide as the same appear when viewed along line 29-29 of Fig. 27;

Fig. 30 is a top elevational view of the fully assembled container showing the dispensing slide drawn out to permit bulk dispensing of the contents;

Fig. 31 is a plan view of a prepared blank of modified form which can be assembled into a dispensing container by an assembly procedure somewhat different from that followed in the assembly of the blank shown in Figs. 1 and 18;

Fig. 32 is a perspective view of the blank shown in Fig. 3l as it appears at an initial stage of assembly;

Fig. 33 is a perspective view of the blank shown in,jFig.3l at a further advanced stage of assembly in which a sleeve structure is formed;

Fig. 34 isa perspective view of the expanded sleeve structure of Fig. 33;

Fig.,3,5 is a perspective View of the expanded sleeve structure shown in Fig. 34 after initial folding and gluing operations;

Fig. 36 is a fragmentary perspective view'of the expanded container at a further advanced stage of assembly;

Fig, 37 is a fragmentary perspective view of the expanded container with its top wall structure completed;

Fig. 38 is a perspective View of the inverted container withits bottom flaps open to permit insertion of merchandise;

Fig. 39 is a fragmentary perspective view of the inverted container shown in Fig. 38, the bottom ilaps'being in process of being brought into closed position;

Fig. 40 is a fragmentary perspective View of the inverted container with its last bottom flap beingbrought into closed position; and

Fig. 41 is a perspective view of the filled and sealed container, a dispensing slide being inserted between the top panels.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings and the speciiication.

In accordance with this invention, the container-'itself is formed from a single blank of suitable material which has been so cut and scored as to permit assembly thereof on standard available boX assembling machines. The dispensing slide may also be formed from a single blank of suitable material which may be assembled in slide form by a simple and quickly executed assembly operation and then inserted into position to form an operating part of the fully assembled dispensing container.

In one form of the invention the container itself is assembled from the blank A as shown in Fig. l, which is substantially rectangular in outline and may be cut and scored from large sheets or rolls of material on an automatic cutting and scoring Ymachine at a high production rate. If desired, only one side of the material need be finished and imprinted, whichside, when the blank is assembled, forms the outside surfaces Vof the container.

The blank as shown in Fig. 1 comprises a panel I, which for convenience in description may be called the rear wall panel, which is hinged to a betteln wall panel. :2r along a transversely extends ina ere .li-ne 4... An opposite. panel 3, whirl) tor n.0... .ve ence in description may beealled the. front Wall panel, .is hinged to the opposite side ledge of` the bottom wall panel 2 along a. transversely extending score line 5. opposite side wall form- .ing flaps 6 and 6 are hinged to the opposite side edges of rear Wall panel I. along parallel extending Vscore lines 1 and 1' which extend longitudinally of the blank. Similar side wall form-ing flaps 8; andv 8 are hingedly connected tothe op: posite side edges of the front wall panel 3: along parallel extending score lines 9. and 9 which ,ex-.- tend longitudinally of the blank andsubstantially alignment with the score lines 1.- andy "If ref. Vspeetively. Bottom tabs IB and I Il'- are hingedlyconnected.y to each end of the bottom Wall panel 2 alongparallel extending score lines II and II' which are arranged slightly out of alignment with the score lines 'I and l respectively to permit as.- sembly of the blank into container form. A top wall forming flap I2 is hinged tothe upper end of the rear wall panel I alonga transversely extending score line 2|. Info-lcling tabs I3 and I3 are hinged to the opposite ends ofthe outer top Wall forming flap I2 along parallel extending score lines Ill and le respectively. The score lines I4 and Ill are slightly out of alignment with the score lines 'I andA 'l' respectively to permit folding assembly of the folding tabs I3 and I3.

A sealing flap I5 is hinged to the outer top Wall forming panel I2 along a transversely extending score line I6 which extends substantially parallel to the score line 2ll The infolding tabs I3- and I3 are separated from the adjacent side Wall forming naps 6 and 6 respectively by cuts ZI which extend substantially in alignment with'the score line 2|. The inner top Wall panel I1 is provided with a securing iiap I9 hinged thereto along a score line 2l) which extends substantially parallel to the score line I8. The securing ap I9 is adhesively secured to the inside face ofthe rear Wall panel I adjacent the upper end thereof, as will be hereinafter more fully brought out.

A suitable dispensing opening 22 is provided in the outer top Wall panel I2 which, when the oo ntainer is assembled, aligns with the dispensing opening 23 provided in the inner top Wall panel IT. The dispensing opening 23 maybe formed by ,a line of perforations 24 which permit removal of the circumscri-lced disc as desired to provide the opening. A slit 25 is provided in the outer tOD Wall panel l2 which extends transversely ber-- tween score lines 2l and I 6. The slit -25`provides an opening through Which the dispensing slide may extend so as to overlie and depress porftion I2 of the outer top Wall panel and underlie and bulge upwardly or outwardly portion I2" of the outer top Wall panel I2.

rlhe blank A shown in Fig. 1 may be quickly assembled into collapsed shell form at the box factory by running the sarne through an automatic strip gluing and folding machine.M Such machine operates to apply a strip of adhesive to the outside face of securing ilapv ISY as the lola-nk` passes through the machine and then operates to fold the inner top, wall panel Il about 'score line I8 so as to overlie the inside face of the front wall panel 3. As the blank continues to advance through the machine the rear wall panel I is folded about score line 4 so as to overlie the-inside face of bottom Wall panel -2 and front -Wall panel 3V, bringing the upper end of the rear wall panel I into adhesive Contact with the securing tab I9. Pressure, applied bya suitablev pressure.

seller. presses the securing tab. .la-inte firm sans: .sive enga.. ent. with the .inside laseoi the. rear wallnane I adjacent the. .sco-re line 21,.. Further tra-Vel Q f.- tneielank through the machine operates te apply-ad ve to tile inside-.face i the yseal-.lille flap I5, W. eser-ation .may lise performed by adi/angine,- partially .assembled blanls. as Fie- 4;,...setlr1at sealing fla-n 1.5y Gomes Contact .ne eine. relier :13. Daringfurther lle. s, ne flap l5. is fol-.fled under and nrs. ed rite-adhesive son-tast with the outside fase o... lie ien wall. panel adjacent the store in, assembled laut esllarsed. blankejected frorn. the. m. ,ne in the, ferm .shown die... a, l1 infin. the ela-nhs .be .steeped tedy andshirpstl te. the. .Inerclianf aspirer- -te be further assembled and The, .rnrQlianslise maniiiasturer may Contini-is and complete. the assembly .of the collapsed shell enit-.151.gand-exneditieuslv 0n standard box assembling seulement shown: in Fis- 6. the assem- Wa .1; panel 2.. viront Wall panel 3, rear and adjacent inner and Outer top tubular forni. The inner top wall panel I'I is secured? to rea-r wall panel I by the securing iiap lil, While the outer top Wall panel is secured to the'frontwajll. panel f3 by the sealing flap I5.

The partiallyassembled shell thus expandedV is r11-n. through. an end sealing machine which, as shown in Fig. y'7, .operates to fold the paired in.- foldi-ng tabs IIJ and I3 inwardly to close .one open side of the box. Side Wall forming ilap 8 is then folded so as to overlie the inturned tabs I0 and i3; adhesive is applied to the inside face ofthe other companion side wall folding flap which -is thereupon folded over and pressed into adhesive engagement with the outside face of the inturned side Wall formi-ng flap 8, as illustrated in Fig. 8.

With one side Wall thus closed, the partially assembled; container may be inverted into the posit-ion shown in Fig, 9, so as to rest on its closed side,r whereupon the contents may readily be inserted through the other open side thereof. When the fillingv operation is completed the unclosed side WallI may then be closed by info-lding the. lnioldingtabs I3 and lll.' as shOWnlii Fis- 1.0,

ioltlirig. the side Wall forming flap 8' s0 as. i0

er rile, the. internen tabs I3 and 'i'. applying adhesive to the inside face of the companion gig@ Wall forming ap 6', and folding the side wall forming flap ii' s0 as t0 overlie and. adhesively engage the outside face o-f the companion sidewall f .orming ilap 8. The container as fully assembled. lled and sealed, appears as shown in Fie. 1-2

speri-sing .slide is provided i0 .serve as a inovali-le'l closure for the aligned dispensing openings.V 22 andy 2 3 in the outer top Wall panel I2 andthe inner tcp Wall panel Il respectively. The sensing slide may be formed imm a single bl B ,of suitable material. as shown in Fis- 2.. Ell-.elaleph l. infinies the dispensing slide may be out and scored yfrom large sheets or rolls of suitable material on an automatic cutting and scor The blanlg B; as shown in Fig. 2 comprises a cody section 353` hai/ing a finger grip section 3l lhinged-to the body section Si] along a transversely extending scoreline .32. A foot sectionV 33 is hinged to the` other end of the body section 30 along a transverse score line 34. The. foot section 33 is designed to be folded under one side of the body section 39. A dispensing opening 31 is provided which straddles the score line 34. The disp-ensing opening 3'! may, if desired, be circular in form. When the foot section 33 has been folded under the body section 30 the dispensing opening appears as a notch in one end of the body section. Foot portion 33 is provided with a notched cut-out 35 and abutment edges 36. Sift holes 38 may be provided in the body section 30 and a small notch 39 may be provided at each end of the score line 34 to facilitate insertion of the slide B between the top wall panels of the container as will later appear.

The blank B shown in Fig. 2 may be assembled into dispensing slide form by merely folding the foot section 33 so as to overlie the inside face of the body section 33. The notch 35 in the foot section leaves the dispensing holes 38 in the body section 30 fully exposed and unobstructed.

As shown in Fig. 12, the dispensing slide is inserted through the slit 25 provided in the outer top wall panel I2. Insertion is effected by depressing portion I'2' of panel I2 and outwardly bulging portion I2" of panel I2 to permit insertion of the foot section and of the slide through the slit 25. The slide is pushed into position until the entire body section 3E! is positioned between portion I2" of the outer top wall panel I2 and the inner top wall panel Il. When thus positioned the linger grip section 3| will overlie the depressed portion I2' of the outer top wall panel I2 permitting convenient manipulation of the slide B for opening and closing the aligned dispensing apertures 22 and 23.

When the dispensing slide B is in fully closed position the unperforated portion of the body section 3B will lie between the aligned openings 22 and 23, as illustrated in Figs. 13, 14 and 15, so as to effectively seal these openings and prevent any loss of the contents. ln the event it is desired to remove the contents by sifting, the finger grip section 3l is grasped and the dispensing slide pulled so as to bring the sift openings 38 into alignment with the dispensing openings 22 and 23. If bulk dispensing of the contents is desired, the dispensing slide is further moved so as to bring the dispensing opening 3l in the end of the body section 35 into alignment with the aligned openings 22 and 23, permitting bulk dispensing of the contents as illustrated in Fig. 17. It will be noted that when the slide is in the bulk dispensing position as shown in Fig. 1'?, the slide cannot be further withdrawn since the edges 36 of the foot section will abut the depressed edge of portion I2 of outer top wall panel I2. If due to denting or excessive pressure on the outer top Wall panel I2 the top panel is forced inwardly, the foot section 33 of the closure member may slide under the end portion I2 of the top panel, thus providing an additional safeguard against an accidental removal of the closure slide B from between the top panels I2 and Il. The dispensing slide may be returned to closed position by exerting a pushing force on the finger grip section 3| so as to push the body section 39 into the closed position in which it will lie fully. within the confines of the top Wall panel I2.

By cutting and scoring the container blanks in the form shown in Fig. 18, a highly satisfactory dispensing container may be formed therefrom by the use of standard box Vassembling machines of somewhat different kind than used to form the container shown in Fig. 1. The blank A as shown in Fig. 18 need be *finishedV or imprinted on oneside thereof only, and may be cut and scored at a high production rate on an automatic cutting and scoring machine. The blank comprises a panel 4I, which may be termed the front wall panel, which is hingedly connected to a bottom wall panel 42 along a horizontally extending score line 44. An opposite or what may be called a rear wall panel 43 is hingedly connected to the bottom wall panel 42 along a horizontally extending score line 45 extending substantially parallel to the score line 44. Side Wall forming flaps 45 and 46 are hinged to the opposite side edges of the front wall panel 4| along parallel extending score lines 47 and 41 respectively. Side naps 48 and 48 are likewise hinged to the opposite side edges of the rear wall panel 43 along parallel extending score lines 49 and 49 respectively. Side tabs 50 and 53 are hinged to the opposite ends of bottom wall panel 42 along parallel extending score lines 5I and 5I' respectively. Score lines 49 and 49 are substantially in alignment with score lines 41 and 4lV respectively, and score lines 5I and 5I are slightly out of alignment with the respective score lines 41 and 48', to permit folding assembly of these tabs.

An outer top wall panel 52 is hinged to the upper end of the front wall panel 4| along a horizontally extending score line 6I. A tuck-in tab 53 is hinged to the upper end of the side wall ap 46 along horizontally extending score line 6I" While a similar tuck-in tab 53 is hingedly connected along transversely extending score line EI to the upper end of side wall flap 45. Score lines 5I are slightly out of alignment with score lines EI to permit infolding of the tabs 53 and 53. Tabs 53 and 53 are separated from the end of outer top wall panel 52 by cuts 54 and 54 respectively. An inner top wall panel 51 is hingedly connected to the upper end of the rear wall panel 43 along a horizontally extending score line 58. A sealing flap 55 is hingedly connected to the outer top wall panel 52 along horizontally extending score line 53 which extends parallel to score line 6I The outer top wall panel 52 is provided with a dispensing opening 62 which is arranged to align with a dispensing opening 63 in the inner top wall panel 5l when the container is assembled. The outer top wall panel 52 is also provided with a slit 65 extending between the score lines 58 and 6I. The dispensing slide, assembled from the blank B shown in Fig. 19, is adapted to be inserted in position through the slit 35 when the container is assembled. Each of the top tabs 53 and 53 is provided with a cut-out 62 at the free ends thereof, which cut-outs are arranged to align with the dispensing opening 62 when the tabs 53 and 53 areY in inturned container assembled position. It will also be notedthat the bottom tabs 5I! and 5B' are separated from the lower ends of the side Wall forming aps 46 and 45 respectively by limited notched cut-outs 59 and 59. The opposite side edge of the bottom tabs 58 and 58' are cut on a bevel at x so as to intert and abut the beveled lower end of the adjacent side wall flaps 48 and 48' respectively.

The blank A shown in Figure 18 is assembled into container form by applying adhesive to the inside facesrof the side wall flaps 46 and 45. The machine on which this blank is assembled is provided with a plunger which seats on the bottom Wall panel 42. Elements associated with the machine operate to raise the bottom tabs 53 and 59 at right angles to the bottom wall panel 42, raises the back Wall panel 43 at right angles to the bottom Wall panel 42, swings-the side wall flaps 48 andd into alignmentwith the bottom tabs 59 and 50 respectively, raises the'front wall panel 41 into positoinV substantially at right angles vto the bottom Wall panel 42, as shown in Fig. 21, and then folds the side wall flaps 46 and .43 into overlyin-g adhesive engagement With .side nap 48 and bottom tab 58 and side flap 48 and bottom tab 59 respectively. At the conclusion of this as.- sembly operation 'the container will be partially assembled in the form shown in Fig. 22.

The container shown in Fig. 22 is then ready to be filled with contents. After .lling the container is run through an end sealing -machine which operates to fold the top tabs 53 rand53 in.- wardly into alignment as sho-Wn in Fig. 23, With the cut-outs 62 together forming la dispensing opening. The inner top Wall vpanel 51 .is tloen folded to overlie the inturned tabs 53 and '53', outer top wall panel 52 is folded to overlie the inner top Wall -panel 51, adhesive is applied to the inside faceof the sealing nap 55 and, nally, the sealing flap 55 is folded over and pressed into adhesive engagement with theloutside surface of the rear Wall panel 43. The container as thus assembled, filled and sealed appears as shown in Fig. 25.

The dispensing slide for'the container shown in Fig. 25 may be formed from blank B shown in Fig. 19. The blank B comprises a body section 1i having a finger section 12 hinged tothe body section 1l along a transversely 'extending score line 13. A Wing section 'id is hinged to each side edge of the body section 1| along'score li-nes 15. The free end of the body section 1i Ymay be provided with a dispensing cut-out "i5, YWhile the body section 1l may also be provided Withfa series of -sift openings 11 in advance of the dispensing cut-outl 16.

The blank B shown in Fig 19 Vis assembled rinto a vdispensing slide, by folding and, if so desired, adhesively 4securing the wing sections I4 to the body section '1 i. It will vbe noted by referring to Fig. 26 that the Wing sections 14 When infolded and secured to the body section 'il do not cover or obstruct the vsift openings 11. The ends 18 of the -wing sections 14 provide abutment edges which prevent removal ofthe dispensing slide when the dispensing slide has been inserted into operative position through the slit 5 of thecontainer. Insertion of the dispensing slide is aecomplished by depressing portion 52 of the outer top wall panel 52, inserting the appropriate end of .the slide through the slit 65, and pushing the slide until substantially the entire body portion 1l thereof is positioned'between portion 52" of the outer top wall panel 52 and the inner top Wall panel 51, as illustrated in Figs. 27 and 28. When thus positioned, the siide Will close the aligned dispensing openings 52, 93 Aand '62 so that the contents cannot escape. If it is desired to sift out the contents, the nger grip section 12 is grasped and a pull exerted on the slide until the siftopening-s l1 therein align with the aligned dispensing opening-s 52 63, 62.` If b-ulk dispensing of the contents is desired, the .dispensing slide is further Withdrawn, as lshown in Fig, 30, untilthe dispensing cut-out 15 aligns Withfthe aligned dispensing openings 62, .6.3 and 52. 'Further withdrawal of 'the dispensing slide is prevented since .the .ends 1.8 of the Wing sections 14 will then abut the depressed edge portion 52" of the outer top wall panel 52.

By .cutting and scoring the .container blank in the Iform shown. in Fig. 31a highly satisfactory 110 dispensing container may be formed therefrom by the use of standard stripgluing, folding and endsealing'machinery. The blank A" as shown in Fig. 81 need be finished for imprinted -on one side only and may be cut andrscored at a yhigh production rate on an automatic cutting and scoring machine.

The blankis show-n with its inside surface facing thevobserver and comprises a panel A8.0, which will be termed a-front wall panel for convenience of description. The front Wall panel has side Wall panels '8l andf82 hingcdly connected thereto along vvertically extending score lines 83 and 84. An opposite panel 85, vwhich for convenience may be called a ,rear Wall panel, ishi-ngedly connected to the side wall panel 8l along a vertically -eX- tendingscore L"li-ne 86. .An end flap-81 is `vhingedly connected vto itheside wail panel v82 along a verticaliy veat',.ending score 'line y138. Bottom tabs 89 and `il!) are hingedly .connected to the side wall panels Bil and V82 respectively along `a horizontally extending .score line 91, and bottom panels 92 and ..93 ar-ehingedly connected :to the front and rear wall ypanels 80and185 respectively along the same score line 9 I.

Supporting tabs 94 and 495 are hinged'ly connected :to the :side wall panels 8l and 82 along a. horizontally extending score line 96 which is parallel to score hline 91. An :inner top Wall panel 91 is hingedly .connected to the rear wall panel .85 along .the score -line .96 4and is suitably provided witha dispensing knock-out opening l98 formed by a line of perforations :99.

.It will be understood that the individual sections of score -lines 91 and 96 lying vbetween the vertical score lines 8B, v83, 84 .and88 are slightly out of alignment with one another according to the thickness .of the :material of the blank, to permit proper folding .and assembling `of the container.

An outer top wall panel I 00 having a sealing nap :lill .hinged thereto along a horizontal score line 192 is hinged `to Vrthe front Wall panel 189 along the horizontal score .line 96. The .outer top. wall panel 1.00 is lprovided with a dispense ing aperture 19.3 adapted to register with the dispensing aperture '98 in V:the assembled con tainer. A :slit '|114 extends across the face `of the 'outer top wall .panel from score line 96 to 192 Vand permits insertion of a closure member therethrough vto :open vand close the aligned rdispensingapertures 9.8 and |93. Notches l|115 and 4|135 rare vprovided in the support-ing tabs 94 and 95 and :soarranged Aas to align with vthe dispensing openings v98 and 1.0.3 inthe assembled container,

Blank A, shown in Fig. 31, may quickly be assembled into .collapsed shell -or `sleeve for-m at the box factory by'running the blank through an automatic strip gluing and folding machine. Such machine operates to apply a strip of adhesive tothe outside face of the Aend flap 81 as the lblank vpasses through the machine and then operates to fold the side panel 82 about the score line 84 so as to overlie the inside surface of the front wall 'panel 80, as shown in Fig. 32. As the blank .continues to advance through the machine, the Arear Wall vpanel 85, together with the bottom and inner top wall 4panels -93 and 91 connected to the side edges thereof, is folded about the score line 186 so as `to overlie the inside face of the -side Wall panel j8| bringing `the rear Wall panel into adhesive contact with the sealing iiap 81. Pressure applied, as by a suitable pressure roller, V'presses the sealing ap `81 into rm ad- 11 hesive engagement with the inside facej of the rear wall panel 85 adjacent its outer edge.

Thus prepared, the blank forms a collapsed shell or sleeve structure as shown in Fig. 33, which is discharged from the machine ready for stacking and shipping to the plant Where it may be expanded and filled as needed., Y

The merchandise manufacturer can continue and complete the assembly of the collapsed shell quickly and expeditiously on standard box assembling equipment. For this purpose the assembled shell or sleeve structure is first eX- panded into tubular form as shown in Fig. 34. The partially assembled shell is run through an end sealing machine Which, as shown in Figs. 34 to 37,.closes the top end wall consisting of the supporting tabs 94 and 95, the inner top wall panel 91 and the outer top wall panel |99.

In the initial stage the machine operates to fold the paired supporting tabs 94 and 95 inwardly to close the open top side of the container. The inner and outer top wall panels 91 and |99 are then folded outwardly about the score line 96 and adhesive is applied to the inside face of the inner top Wall panel 91 and the sealing nap as shown in Fig. 35. As the container progresses through the machine the inner top wall panel 91 is pressed into rm adhesive engagement with the supporting tabs 94 and 95, as shown in Fig. 36. Thereafter the outer top wall panel |00 is folded over so as to overlie the inner top Wall panel 91 and the sealing fiap |0| is pressed into rm adhesive engagement with the top portion of rear wall panel 85 adjacent its top score line 9B. Thus assembled the container has the form shown in Fig. 37 and is ready for lling with merchandise.

For the purpose of lling and final sealing the container is either placed on its side or top, depending upon the type of end sealing machine used.

For the purpose of illustration it will be assumed that a top end sealer is used, requiring inversion of the prepared container so as to rest it on its top wall structure, as illustrated in Fig. 38. Merchandise, which may either be loose or in the form of contents enclosed in a bag |06, is inserted into the container through the open bottom aps 89 and 90 and bottom panels 92 and 93. The package may or may not have adhesive g applied to one end thereof so as to become adhesively secured tothe inside of l the supporting flaps 94 and 95, if thisv is desired.

After insertion of the contents the filled container, passes through the end sealing machine, which in its rst operation folds the bottom naps 89 and 9U inwardly to close the bottom and folds the bottom panels 92 and 93 outwardly, as shown in Fig. 39. Adhesive is applied to the inside surfaces of the bottom panels 92 and-93 and the panels are then folded inwardly in succession to close the container, as shown in Fig.' 40.

After sealing of the bottom, the container may be set upright as shown in Fig. 41 and a closure member B may be inserted through the slit. Obviously, the closure member may be of any suitable form, such as illustrated, for example, in Figs. 2 and 19. The closure member includes a finger operable tab portion 3|, a main body portion 39, and an abutment portion 33 folded underneath the body portion 30 about a score line 34. The closure member after insertion into the completed and lled container may be moved into three distinct positions. In the first posi- `tion the cut-outportion 31 registers with the dispensing apertures 98 and I U3 for bulk dispensing, in the second position the fist openingsSS register with dispensing apertures 98 and |93 for sift dispensing, and in the third position the imperio-rate portion of the closure member closes the dispensing apertures 98 and |93 completely.

After reaching the consumer the container is opened by first moving the closure member B into its open position, in which the knock-out 98 is removed and the package |96 punctured underneath the dispensing opening if the Contents are enclosed in such a package.

Manifestly the sliding closure member may be inserted before filling of the container with merchandise, i. e., at the stage of assembly of the container shown in Fig. 37.

It is now seen that I have provided a convenient dispensing container which is neat and attractive in appearance, and which may be easily manipulated either to sift dispense or bulk dispense the contents therefrom. The container itself is formed from a single blank of paperboard or other suitable material which is so shaped and formed as to permit assembly thereof on high speed automatic box assembly machines of standard design. The blanks are so shaped and cut as to be substantially rectangular in outline and result in little waste of material, The blanks need to be imprinted or finished on one side thereof only since only one face of a blank is presented as the exposed face of the assembled container. The dispensing slide may likewise be formed of a single piece of suitable material and may be assembled by a simple gluing and folding operation. The slide is so formed as to permit insertion through the slit provided in the outer top Wall panel of the container after the container itself has been fully assembled and filled with the contents. Once the slide has been inserted into position it cannot be withdrawn but yet can be easily manipulated either to close off the dispensing opening, to present sift openings for dispensing purposes, or present a larger opening for bulk discharge of the contents.

The blank unassembled or partially assembled in collapsed shell form at the box plant, permits packing for shipping and storage purposes within a minimum of space, thereby effecting decided economies as compared with the shipment and storage of rigid set-up containers. The merchandise manufacturer may conveniently and economically assemble or complete the assembly of the container on standard box assembly equipment, which is substantially automatic and requires no highly skilled labor for its operation. rThe improved dispensing containers may be advantageously employed for the packaging of powdered or granular materials which have heretofore been packaged in cans or canisters wholly or partly formed from sheet material, or other more costly material.

While certain novel features of the invention have been disclosed herein, and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art Without departing from the spirit of the invention.

yWhat is claimed is:

1. A paperboard box blank comprising rela'- tively foldable sections to provide a box body including, a bottom, a front panel and a back panel, each pane1 having lateral extensions on its side edges foldable upon one another to form side walls, each panel having at one end a group of integrally connected relatively foldable flaps, the

rst group comprising a rst top nap having a rst' dispensing aperture therethrough 'and end flap for connection to the opposite panel., the second 'group comprising a second top llap having sidefi'aps, and an end flap for connection to the opposite panel, said second top flap having further a second dispensing aperture therethrough located to register with said first aperture, and a slit to accommodate a closure member for said apertures.

2; A b'ox or carton having a substantially rectangular end wall formed by a 'main panel and a supplementary panel lying the'rebeneath, both panels being unattached and having a centralv dispensing aperture therethrough, the main panel having further a slit therethrough, in combination with a closure member for opening and closing said dispensing aperture, said member being arranged between said main and said supplementary panel and resting on the top surface of the supplementary panel, said member` comprising a finger operable end portion extending through said slit, said member being of substantially the size of the panel so as to extend approximately to o-ne edge of said panel with the'edge of its tab portion when the member is in one end position, said member comprising further a main portion having a group of small dispensing yopenings therethrough adapted to be brought into registry with said aperture when said member is moved into an intermediary position, and an abutment portion, the abutment portion including a flap folded back upon the main portion and providing an abutment edge cooperating with an edge of said slit to prevent withdrawal of said member through said slit, the abutment portion being 'cut away at its folding edge sufciently fully to open said dispensing aperture when the member is moved into the other end position,

3.'A box or carton comprising, in combination, a bottom; front and back panels integral with said bottom; lateral extensions integral with, and extending to, either side of each panel folded upon each other to form side walls; an outer top flap integral with, and connected Vto the end edge of, one of said panels, said outer top iiap having a substantially centrally located aperture therethrough and a slit extending across the top flap parallel to one edge thereof to accommodate a closure member; an end flap hingedly connected to said outer top flap, said end flap being adhesively secured to the outside surface of the other panel; an inner top ilap hingedly con'- nected to the end edge of said other panel, the innerh top flap lying beneath the outer top flap, the opposed surfaces of said outer top flap and said inner top ap being unattached, the inner top flap having a substantially centrally located second aperture therethrough registering with said first aperture; a tab hingedly connected to.

each of said extensions along the top edges thereof adjacent said outer top ap, said tabs being arranged below said inner top flap to hold the same in place in a position parallel to and beneath said outer top flap; and a closure member for said apertures inserted between said outer and inner top aps for sliding movement on said inner top fiap, said closure member having a linger operable end portion extending through said slit, a main body portion, and two abutment tabs integral with, and connected to, said body portion along the longitudinal edges thereof, said tabs being folded over and in contact with the baci; surface of said body portion to form an abutment edge cooperating With one edge of said 14 slit and preventing complete withdrawal of said member through said slit.

4. A blank formed from a single piece of paperboard material from which a dispensing carton' may be formed comprising a bottom wall panel, a' front wall panel and a rear wall panel hinged to opposite side edges of the bottom wall panel, a side wall flap hinged to and extending 'from each side edge oi said rear wall panel and said front wall panel, an inner top wall panel and an outer top wall panel hinged to the opposite f end of said front and rear wall panels, a securing flap hinged to the-end of said inner top wall panel and a sealing flap hinged to the vopposite end of said outer top wall panel, an inturning iiap hinged Vto each end of said bottom wall panel and to each end of said outer top wall panel, a dispensing opening in said inner top wall panel and said outer top wall panel arrangedv to align with one another when the container is assembled, and a slit in the outer top wall panel t'o accommodate a yslidalole closure member.

5. A box or carton having a substantially rectangular end Wall formed by a main paneland a supplementary panel lying therebeneath, both vpanels having a central dispensing aperture therethrough, the main panel having further a slit therethrough, in combination with a closure member for opening and closing said dispensingaperture, said member being arranged between said main and said supplementary panel and comprising a nger operable end portion extendingV through said slit, said member being of substantially the size of the panel so as to extend approximately to one edge of said panel with the edge of its tab portion when the member is in one end position, said member comprising further a main portion having a group of smalldis pensing openings therethrough adapted to be brought into registry with said aperture when said member is moved into an intermediary vposition, and an abutment portion, the abutment portion including a pair of tabs integrally connected to said main portion along the longitudinal edges thereof, said tabs being folded over and in. contact with said main portion to provide an abutment edge cooperating with one edge of said slit to prevent withdrawal of said member through said slit, the main portion being cut away at the lateral edge remote from said linger operable tab portion fully to open said dispensing aperture when the member is moved int'o the other end position.

6. A box or carton comprising a multi-sided vtubular body formed of side walls, and foldable flaps for closing its ends, one side wall consisting of an inner panel and an outer panel, said inner panel having a securing tab hinged thereon secured to the inner surface of the wall panel adjacent said outer panel, said outer panel having a securing tab hinged thereon secured to the outer surface of the wall panel adjacent said inner panel, said inner and outer panels lying unattached face to face, each panel having 'an aperture therein, the apertures being in registry', the outer panel having a slit therein; and a yslide memberl inserted between said inner and outer panels, said slide member having a iinger operable tongue projecting through said slit, whereby said slide member may be moved to open and close said apertures.

7. A box or carton comprising a multi-sided tubular body formed of side Walls, and foldable flaps for closing its ends, one side wall consisting of an inner panel and an router panel, 'said inner 15V panel having a securing tab hinged thereon secured to the inner surface of the wall paneladjacent said outer panel, said outer panel having a securing tab hinged thereon secured to the outer surface oi the wall paneladjacent said inner panel, said inner and outer panels lying unattached face to face, each panel having a dispensing aperture therein, the aperture being in registry, the outer panel having furthera slit therein; and a closure member inserted between said outer and inner panels With freedom to slide therebetween, said closure member having a finger operable portion extending throughv said slit and having further an abutment edge adapted to cooperate with an edge of the slit to provide a stop limiting the longitudinal movement of said closure member.

8. A dispensing box or carton adapted to be pre-formed as a tubular collapsed blank in which the top wall including dispensing means, bottom, front and back walls are hingedly connected and assembled, the said blank being adapted to be expanded and filled through the side walls and sealed, the box comprising, in combination, front and back vertical walls; a bottom to which both said front and back walls are hinged along bottom fold lines, four side wall forming panels, said panels being hingedly connected to the front and back walls, respectively, along side fold lines and foldable one on top of the other into carton lclosing position; an inner top flap formed integral with one of said vertical walls and extending to the Wall opposite said one vertical wall, said ap having a first aperture cut in the body thereof; means for securing said inner top flap to said opposite vertical Wall; an outer top flap arranged above the inner top flap and formed integral with another of said vertical walls, said outer top flap having a slit and a second aperture cut in the body thereof, said second aperture registering with said rst aperture; means for securing said outer top flap to the wall opposite said other vertical wall leaving the opposed surfaces of the said outer and inner top flap unattached; and a dispensing slide for said apertures insertable between said outer and inner top flaps for sliding movement on said inner top flap, said dispensing slide having a finger operable portion at one end extending through said slit and an abutment portion near the other end, the abutment portion cooperating with one edge of said slit and preventing complete withdrawal of said slide through said slit.

9. A dispensing box or carton adapted to be pre-formed as a tubular collapsed blank in which the top wall including dispensing means, bottom, front and back Walls are hingedly connected and assembled, the said blank being adapted to be expanded and iilled through the side walls and sealed, the box comprising, in combination, front and back vertical walls; a bottom to which both said front and back walls are hinged along bottom fold lines, four side walls forming panels, said panels being hingedly connected to the front and back walls, respectively, along side fold lines and foldable one on top of the other into carton closing position; an inner top flap formed integral with one of the said vertical walls and extending to the opposite Vertical wall, said flap having a first aperture cut in the body thereof; an end flap integral with said inner top ap and secured to the inside of said opposite vertical wall; an outer top flap arranged above said inner top iiap and formed integral with another of said vertical walls, said outer top iiap having an inner surface unattached to said inner top flap and having a slit and a second aperture cut in the body thereof, said second aperture registeringwith said irst aperture; an end flap integral with said outer top flap and secured to the outside of the vertical wall opposite said other wall; and closure slide for said apertures insertable between said outer and inner top flaps for sliding movement on said inner top nap, said closure slide having a linger operable end portion extending through said slit and an abutment cooperating with one edge of said slit and preventing complete withdrawal of said slide through said slit.

10. A dispensing box or carton adapted to be pre-formed as a tubular collapsed blank in which the top wall including dispensing means, bottom, front and back walls are hingedly connected and assembled, the said blank being adapted to be expanded and iilled through the side walls and sealed, the box comprising, in combination, front and back vertical walls; a bottom to which both said front and back walls are hinged along bottom fold lines, four side walls forming panels, said panels being hingedly connected to the front and back walls, respectively, along side fold lines and foldable one on top of the other into carton closing position; two side flaps hingedly connected to the side edges of the bottom, said side iiaps being adapted to underlie said side wall forming panel-s to form sealing flaps resting against the inside surface of the side walls; an outer top panel integral with, and connected to the end edge of, one of said front and back walls, said outer top panel having a substantially centrally located aperture therethrough and a slit extending across the top ap parallel to one edge thereof; an end flap integral with, and connected to, said outer top panel, said end flap being adhesively secured to the outside surface of the wall opposite said one wall; an inner top panel integral with, and connected to theend edge of, said opposite wall, the inner top panel lying beneath the outer top panel and having a substantially centrally located aperture therethrough registering with said first aperture; means for securing said inner top panel in position parallel to and beneath said outer top panel, the opposed surfaces of said outer and inner top panels remaining unattached; and a closure member for said apertures inserted between said outer and inner top panels for sliding movement on said inner top panel, said closure member having a linger operable end portion extending through said slit and an abutment cooperating with one edge of said slit and preventing complete withdrawal of said member through said slit.

1l. A box or carton comprising, in combination, a bottom; front and back panels hingedly connected to said bottom along bottom fold lines; side wall forming panels hinged to said iront and back panels along side fold lines, said side wall forming panels being ioldable upon each other to close the carton and ferm side walls of double thickness; an outer top panel integral with, and hinged to the end edge of, one or" said front and back panels, said outer top panel having a substantially centrally located aperture therethrough and a slit extending across the top panel parallel to one edge thereof to accommodate a closure member; an end flap integral with, and connected to, said outer top panel, said end ap being adhesively secured to the outside surface of the panel opposite said one panel whereby a tubular structure is iormable of the box blank adapted to be expanded into hollow carton form and sealed by folding and sealing of the side wall forming panels; an inner top panel integral With, and connected to the end edge of, said opposite panel, the inner top panel lying beneath the outer top panel and having a substantially centrally located second aperture therethrough registering with said first aperture, the opposed surfaces of said outer and inner top panels being unattached; a tab hinged to certain of said side wall forming panels along the top edges thereof adjacent said inner top panel, said tabs being foldable below said inner top panel to hold the same in place in a position parallel to and beneath said outer top panel; and a closure member for said apertures inserted between said outer and inner top panels for sliding movement on said inner panel, said closure member having a finger operable end portion extending through said slit and an abutment cooperating with one edge of said slit and preventing complete withdrawal of said member through said slit.

12. A box or carton comprising, in combination, front and back vertical walls; double thickness side Walls formed by panels hinged to said front and back walls, respectively, along side fold lines;

a bottom to which said vertical walls are hinged along bottom fold lines; an inner top ap formed integral with one of said vertical walls and extending to the Wall opposite said one Vertical wall, said ap having a first aperture cut in the body thereof; means for maintaining said flap at right angles to said vertical Walls; an outer top flap arranged above said inner top flap and formed integral with another of said vertical walls, said outer top iiap having a slit and a second aperture cut in the body thereof, said second aperture registering with said rst aperture; means for se- 18 curing said outer top flap to the wall opposite said other vertical wall leaving the opposed surfaces of said outer and inner top flap unattached, whereby a tubular structure is formable on the carton blank ready to be expanded into hollow form and sealed by folding and sealing of the side walls; and a closure member for said apertures inserted between the opposed surfaces of said inner and outer top flaps to rest and slide on the surface of the inner top flap, said closure member extending through said slit and having an abutment cooperating with an abutment edge formed by said slit in said outer top flap preventing complete withdrawal of said member through said slit.

WALTER P. FESSENDEN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,289,747 Baker July 14, 1942 2,283,245 White May 19, 1942 2,162,632 Meek June 13, 1939 2,166,222 Ranko et al July 18, 1939 2,093,143 Bonner Sept. 14, 1937 1,737,548 Arvidson Dec. 3, 1929 2,342,081 Kirkland et al Feb. 15, 1944 1,007,390 Robinson Oct. 3l, 1911 1,951,274 Denman Mar. 13, 1934 1,041,872 Regenstein Oct. 22, 1912 83,812 Wilcox Nov. 3, 1868 112,306 Wilcox Feb. 28, 1871 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 504,213 Great Britain Apr. 21, 1939 

